Sealed cartridge bearings are pre-assembled, self-contained units used in modern bicycle hubs, bottom brackets, and headsets. Unlike traditional "cup and cone" systems that use loose balls, cartridge bearings house the inner race, outer race, ball bearings, and protective seals within a single metal ring.
KEY ADVANTAGES
- Low Maintenance: The integrated rubber or metal seals protect the internals from water, dirt, and debris, significantly reducing the need for regular cleaning.
- Ease of Replacement: When a bearing wears out, the entire unit is simply pressed out and replaced with a new one. This eliminates the need to handle individual ball bearings or worry about pitting in the hub itself.
- Consistent Performance: Because they are pre-assembled to precise tolerances, they do not require the "preload" adjustments common in cup-and-cone systems.
COMMON BEARING TYPES
- Radial Bearings: These are the most common and cost-effective type, designed primarily for vertical loads (e.g., standard wheel hubs).
- Angular Contact Bearings (ACB): Used frequently in headsets and higher-end hubs, these can handle both vertical and lateral (side) loads more effectively.
- Ceramic Bearings: A premium option that uses ceramic balls for lower rolling resistance and weight, though they often require more frequent servicing.
